Plow attachment for tractors



y 1939- A. c. LINDGREN ET AL 2,156,569

PLOW ATTACHMENT FOR TRAGTORS Filed May 9, 1956 i 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 QQQ 0 O@ figs g als may Z May 2, 1939. AUG LINDGREN ET AL 2,156,569 I PLOW ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS- Filed May .9, 1936 4Sheets-Sheet 2 lmeni'ans rev 217%,

- May 2, 1939. A. C'LINDGREN ET AL 2,156,569

PLOW A Filed May 9, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 May 2, 1939. A c. LINDGREN ET AL PLOW ATTACHMENT FOR TRAGTORS Filed May 9,1936 4 SheetsQ-Sheet 4 Patented May 2, 1939 rLow n'r'racmvmnr FOR morons Alexus C. Lindgren, Chicago, and James Morkovski, Canton, Ill., assignors to International Hal'- vcster Company, a corporation of Howler- Application May 9, 1936, Serial .No. 78,801

li-olaims- (01. 97-50) ,7

The present invention relates to tractor carried plows and, more particularly, to structure for connecting a plow gang or gangs to a tractor and also to mechanism for raising and lowering the plow gangs. i.

The main obects of the invention are to provide a simplified, close coupled type of connecting means for tractor gang plows; to provide for maintaining a constant depth of plowing unaffected by movements of the'tractor over rough ground; and, to providejor balancing of the draft forces; and, in addition, to provide for raising and lowering of the plows from operating to transporting position, either simultaneously or separately. 7

More Specifically, the object of the invention is to provide a two-way gang plow attachment having the advantages stated and permitting the use of single bottom or more'g'ang units in close coupled relation between. the traction wheels of a so-called row crop tractor of the type-having a high frame and rear axle structure on which lifting and lowering mechanism for the plows is located.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means for latching the lifting mechanism for each implement frame when it is in raised position for transporting.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plow'attachment in which the latching means is so positioned with respect to the lifting mech anism that the lifting mechanism itself may be used to positively lock the latching means. v

Another object of the invention is to provide a directly connected gang plow which has adjustable connections with its carrying frame whereby the plow may be adjusted for. lateraltilt.

Other minor objects and advantages will-become apparent to those'skilled in the art from the detailed description of the preferred em--' bodiment of the invention to follow.

' The invention accordingly resides in the com bination and details of construction hereinafter described and claimed. and illustrated in the" accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is aside view of the rear end of the tractor with the right rear wheel removed, showtransporting position, and the hydraulic lift mechanism for raising the plows; t

Figure 2 is aplan view of the two-way plow showing the rear of a tractor with theplow gangs connected thereto;

Figure 2, showing the guide members for the plow 'Figure 3 is an enlargedfdetailed view of the latching mechanism for locking the implement frame in raised or transport position;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of Figure 2, looking'in-the direction of the ar- 5 rows;

Figure 5 is an enlarged section of the latch taken on line 55 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a section taken along line 6-6 of beams;

Figure 7 is a side view of the rear end of the tractor with the right rear wheel removed show-' ing a one-way plow in lowered or plowing position and the hydraulic lift mechanism for raising the plow;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the. one-way plow showing the rear end of a tractor with the plow gangs connected thereto;

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the connecting structure for the one-way plow taken along the line 9- -9 of Figure 7; and,

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the connection of the lifting mechanism to the'plow bail along the line |0l0 of Figure 8, looking in 25 the direction of the arrows. I

The invention is illustrated in combination with a motor propelled vehicle or implement carrying frame, such as a tractor of the type having a wide tread rear axle structure with the rear wheels adjustable thereon. The tractor has a rear axle housing ill from which the dif-' 'fer'entially driven axle shafts II project. The

ing wheel l5 located adjacent an operators seat I or station l6.

In the practice of the present invention a depending hanger member I1 is bolted, or otherwise secured, to each sill member M at about 'the middle of the tractor, as seen in Figures 1,

2, 6 and 7. The hanger members are preferablyinclined forwardly and at their lower ends they have pivoted therein a transverse shaft l8. Welded, or otherwise secured, to the transverse shaft l8 are upright arms l9. Welded to the upright arms I9 is a rearwardly extending U-shaped draw-bar 20; The upper ends of the upright arms l9 lie above the plane of the drawbar proper. Oneof the hanger members 11 at any suitable mannen, The 35 its upper end has mounted thereon a hand lever to and detached from the tractor. Extending 2| and its locking or adjusting quadrant 22. This lever is provided with an angular rearwardly extending arm 23 to which a supporting link 5 24 is adjustably connected. At its lower end the. link 24 is pivotally connected to the drawbar 28. By this arrangement, movement of the lever 2| will serve to adjust the draw-bar ver tically, as will be obvious. 1

As best seeninrlgures 1, 2, 7 and 8, the drawbar has pivotally connected to it at any selected point on its transverse portion, a coupling link 25. As the invention is to be described in connection with both the two-way and a one-way Plow, like parts will be denoted byv similar reference characters and, as both of the plow constructions are similar-with the exception of being right or left-handed as the case may be, or for a one-way rearwardly from the supporting brackets 48 are brackets 4| welded, or otherwise secured, to the supports 48. Transversely extending across the rear end of the tractor and to the rear thereof on the shaft 42. The ball mechanism including the shaft 42 and arms 43 and 44 may be considered as the lifting means, or, when taken with or two-way construction, only one plow and its go structure will be'described. The coupling link is connected at its rear end to a draft conhection 28 laterally positioned onprojections 21 and 28 of longitudinally extending beam members 28 and 38. The longitudinal beam members 23 and 30 have lateral extensions 3! and 32 with the extension 32 extending inwardly more than the lateral extension 3| extends outwardly, thus plement carrying frame. As each of thelifting mechanisms for each plow beam of the two-way \plow is the same, only one will be described and forming a draft bracket 33 fixed on the inner side of the forward ends of the plow beam members 30 28 and 38. Y

. The beam extensions 28 and 38 extend underneath the axle housing of the tractor and are connected at their rear ends to a stub plow beam 34-, which carries a plow bottom 35. The connection between the link 25 and the bracket 33 is through the transverse pivot member 28, which has its ends suppo n the forwardly extending portions 21 and 2 of the beam extensions 28 and 30. lm order to provide for anguular adjustment of the plow and beam, an arcuate link or arm 38 adjustably connects the coupling link 25 with a laterally spaced point on the member 28'. The connection between the coupling link 25 and the draw-bar 28 is such as to permit free respect to the tractor, but the range of the vertical movement of the couplinglink 25 and, therefare, of the forward end of the plow beam is preferably limited, as by an upstanding stop or. abutment member 31 carried by the member 28 in position to contact the bottom of the tractor body. Thus it should be seen that the plow bottoms and their beams are movably mounted on the tractor for both lateral and vertical movement. V

In order to raise andlower the plow from and to operating position, there is supported from the rear axle III of the tractor, suitable power lift or raising and lowering mechanism. The mechanism is supported by coupling members 38 in the form of horse-shoe coupling members attached to flanges 39 integral with the axle housing l0. Supported from the coupling members 38 are supporting brackets 48. The present disclosure of the raising and lower mechanism is for the two -way plow gangs and the raising and lowering mechanism for the one-way plow gang will be described later. The supporting brackets 48 for the two-way plow are laterally spaced to the outer flange members 39 on each axle housing extend ing from the longitudinal body portion l3. "The lateral and vertical movement of the plow with like reference characters will denote similar parts. The lifting bail mechanism is held in lateral position by a collar 48. Attached to the rear ends of the arms 43 and is a transverse shaft 41, which is journaled-in the arms 43 and 44. Parallel lifting links 48 and 48, as best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, are pivotally connected at their upper ends to the transverse member 41 and at their lower ends to a similar transverse member 58, which is journaled in the transverse bearing 5|. The plow beams 29 with their draft connections and lifting links 48 and 49 may be considered as a plurality of flexibly mounted implement gangs adapted for alternate movement. A transverse bearing 5| is welded, or otherwise secured, to Supporting brackets 52 and 53 attached to the plow beam, as best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. It is to be understood that the link 49 maybe adjustable with respect to the link 48 in order to tiltingly adjust or level the plow bottom. This is accomplished, as best shown in Figure 4, by a turn buckle adjustment 49'. Welded, or otherwise secured, to the bearing portion or spacing member are crank arms 54 and 54', which are laterally spaced. Joumaled to the upper end of the crank arms 54 and 54"is a pivoted lost motion connection 55. It is to be understood that each of the plow lifting mechanisms has similar lifting constructions and that only. one need be described, and like reference characters will denote similar parts.

- The actuating mechanism for raising and lowering the plow beam is connected to the crank arm construction 54 and 54' by means of a lifting link 58 slidably mounted in the lost motion connection 55. The position of the lifting link 7 for adjusting the depth of the plow bottom is consupporting brackets 40 are formed so that theymay be readily attached to' and detached from the coupling members 38 in order that the twotrolled by an adjusting collar 51. The adjusting collar 51 also adjusts the maximum lifting PO51? tion of the plow beam. The lifting link 58 for each plow beam of the two-way plow is connected to an eccentric pin 58 secured to a lifting arm 53 of a hydraulic lifting mechanism 88 of the vane type, disclosed and claimed in the copending application of E. A. Johnston, Serial No. 22,888, filed May 22, 1935 which is now U. S. Patent No.2,039,801 granted May-5, 1936. The m draulic lifting mechanism 88 has a transverse The hydraulic vane type lifting mechanism 88 '75 way plow attachment maybe readily attached is actuated by'a gear pump 82 driven from a transverse power take-off shaft operated from the scope of my invention.

transmission of the tractor. The fluid for the pipe construction to the vane lift mechanism 60 where it is controlled by a valve handle or valve means 84. It is to be understood, however,

that power lift mechanism of the ordinary onehalf revolution construction, or other mechanical lifts, may be used without departing from the In order to secure each plow bottom of the two-way plow construction in its raised, or transport position, it. has been necessary to provide a latching means or mechanism, as shownin Figures l, 2 and 3, and which is best shown in Figure 3. Welded, or otherwise secured, to the spacing member 45 of the lifting bail construction is a latch arm 65. On the bracket, stop means is formed by upright members 66 and 61 spaced apart at their upper endsby a spacing stud 68, as best shown in Figure ,5. The members 65 and 61 are secured at their lower ends to a supstop 10 as the guard guardmember porting bracket 69 attached to the supporting bracket 40 for the plow attachment. A stop element 10 is spaced between-the members 55 and '51 and secured thereto. In order to latch each plow bottom in its raised or lowered position, a latchconnection in the form'of a-releasable lifting latch handle 1| is pivotally mounted at its rear end. to the latch arm with. The latch handle 1| hasa latch element 12 complementary to the stop 10, secured to the handle and adapted to engage the stop 10, as

best shown in Figure 3. The latch handle 1|,

when it is released from the stop 10, is limited in its upward movement by the stop or stud 58.

The usual procedure ineffecting the lowering of a plow bottom'is to first lift ,one of the latch handles to disconnect the latch from the stop means, and then to operate valve control 84 of the power lift. When mechanism comes on, the selected plow bottom will be cushioned to its lowered and ground enaging position,

In order. to prevent the latch from reengaging with its stop from the time of lifting the latch handle until the power comes on,

a curved, pivotally mounted guard -member is provided on the latch handle 1|, and arranged to fall down over the latch element 12. With the guard 13 lowered, the latch handle will be supported on the stop element 10 by the same, and as the handle moves rearwardly upon the lowering of the plow bottom, it will be guided over stop element 10. Or, if the lift mechanism is already at its lowered position andthe plow bottoms are being supported wholly by the latch, guard member 13 .will also have its function of aiding the latch element-'12 over the stop 10 upon lifting the latch handle 1 l to drop-the plow bottom by gravity.

The forward portion 1| of the latch handle 1| extends-forwardly within reach of the operator's station 15. The latch member 12 is inclined downwardly and rearwardly so that the under surface 12 will 'ritl'e over plow beam is being raised, whereupon it will fall downwardly with an edge member 13 moves rearwardly, as shown in the dottedposition. The

13 also is look itself about prevent thelatch handle 1! from jumping out of its locked position. y

In order to further'lock the latch handle 1| in position, the end of extend laterally, as shown in Figure 2, sumoutwardly, so that the lateral the tractor.

55 and movable there-' the power of the lifthandle 1|, which is the stop 10. when the 12" contacting the free to move and to the stop 10 to some extent to the crank pins 58 and 58' ciently to engage an inner leg 1| of the forked handle 1|. In this position, as best shown in Figure 2 for the left plow bottom, the crank pin 58' engages the member 1|", therefore, locking the latching means for positively holding the plow beam in raised position.- As shown in Figure 2 for the right hand plow beam, the forward portion of the latch handle 11* is bent laterally crank' pin 58 cannot engage the portion 1! when the plow bottom is in plowing position.

-In the operation of the plow raising and lowering mechanism the hydraulic vane lift reciprocates to and fro from the down position, as shown in Figure l, forwardly to a similar position for the lifting stroke, and .it.may also be considered as adaptedfor, alternate movement in opposite directions. The total lifting stroke of the lifting vaneis greater than degrees in order to form an over-the-cente'r' lock for certain types of tools to prevent the weight of the attached implement from returning the lifting mechanism to its lowered position. The hy-,

draulic lift mechanism is actuated through the pump 62, which is continuously driven from the motor through the transmission mechanism of The'hydraulic lift mechanism may be operated either when the tractor is stationary or when the tractor is moving, so long as the engine is running.

In order to operate the lifting mechanism, the lever or valve means 64 is operated, which controls the flow of the fluid to either side of the lifting vane of the lifting mechanism. In order .to lift the plow from its lowered position, as

shown in Figure 1, to thelifted position, as shown in Figure 3, the handle is shown in its position to actuate the vane to move forwardly. In doing this, the lifting link 56, which is connected to the crank pin, 58 of the crank arm 59 secured to the transverse shaft 6|, moves forwardly in unison with the vane of the lift to which the transverse shaft 6| is attached. As the lifting link 56 moves forwardly, the stop collar-51 engages the lost motion connection 55, actuating the lifting tically. Asthe lifting arms 43 and 44 are-connected to the plow bottom by the lifting links 48, it is, therefore, apparent tha 43 is raised, the plow bottom 35 is likewise raised.

arm 43, which is free to oscillate -veras the lifting arm extension of the As the lifting arm 43 is raised, the latch-arm 55,-

being connected to the lifting bail construction, also movesforwardly. Therefore, the'- latch 55, moves forwardly, allowingthe latch element 12 to cam'over the stop 10, whereupon, asthe latch element 12 passes the stop ing' mechanism, and, when they are in their raised or transporting position, both plows may -be positively held in this position by reversing the vane lift, so that the crank pins 58 and 58' are in the position shown to engage .the members 1l of their respective latch handles, as best shown for the left hand plow bottom in Figure 2.

It is to be understood that themember 58 will also engage its. corresponding member 1|" for the right hand plow=bottom when the right hand plow bottom is in it's raised position.

10, the latch 1! is free to fall by gravity, thus locking the plow connected to the latch armv Bysopo- 75- sitionjng the crank pins 58 and 58'- the respective latch handles will be held down so that they cannot be released. Thus, locking means asso-' ciated' with the power lift is provided for locking the latching means to positively hold theplows in their transport position on the tractor.

When the operator is ready to plow, the vane lift is actuated to release the crank pins 58 and 58', so that the crank pins are in their forward position to that shown in Figure 1. When the crank pins are in this position, the latch han dles 1| are free to be disengaged from the stop 18. ,The vane lift and its crankarms 58 and 59' are free to be operated in either direction when the plows are in their latched position because of the lost motion connection formed by the lifting link 55 and the lost motion connection member, 55. It is to be understood that the operator, when the crank pins 58 and 58' are so positioned as to release the latch handle H, by lifting both latch handles together may allow both plow bottoms to drop together, especially when it is necessary todetach the two-way plow from the tractor. When the plow is dropped in this manner, the fall is cushioned by the fluid being displaced inthe-hydraulic lift mechanism, as disclosed and claimed in as'signee's copending application of E. A. Johnston, Serial No. 87,889, flled June 29, 1936, which acts to dampen the fall of the plow bottom and this throttling or damping action in the lift mechanism is known as a and its respective lost motion pivot conthe lifting mechanism.

slow drop. When the operator wishes to lower either of the plow bottoms, when the crank pins 58 and 58' are in their forward position, he lifts the latch handle of the respective plow bottom that he wishes to lower, and then, operating the valve handle 84 of the hydraulic lift mechanism, drops the plow bottom while the other plow bottom remains in its raised position because of its being latched in position and also because of the lost motion connection between the lifting nection. 1

In two-way plow constructions for this type of tractor, as the plow beams extend longitudinally underneath the frame of the tractor, the plow beams may, at times, contact the longitudinal body portion l8, when the plows are actuated to be raised, .thus preventing the plow beams from being raised. In order to prevent this occur-' rence, an attachment hasbeen provided to be mounted on the rear of the tractor to guide the plow beams laterally, as they are being raised by The guide mechanism also prevents the lateral swinging inwardly of the plow beams in transporting positionand alsoprevents the plow, when it is raised, from swinging inwardly in side hillplowing. The attachment comprises a supporting member l4 attached to the rear of the tractor at its mid-portion.

The supporting member 14 is U-shaped in construction and has pivoted in the space between the legs laterally extending guide arms and I5, as best shown in Figures'l, 2 and 6. The guide members 15 and 18 are angular in shape with one leg extending downwardly and the other leg extending upwardly and outwardly. The.

bottom edge of the guide members 15 and I8 engage the beam of the plow, as the plow is raised, actingto guide the plow beams laterally i'r'om'- \mderneath the longitudinal frame portion of the tractor. ,Whenthe guide members are in raised position, as shown by the lefthand niember 18, the plow beam in raised position is preventeddrom inward movement. 7

laterally outwardly from underneath the frame of the tractor when the plow beams are being raised. I

'The one-way plow construction, as disclosed in Figures 7,- 9 and 10, is similar to the construction disclosed in thepatent to W. S. Graham et al. 1,902,845 granted March 28, 1933, and to the' patent to A. C. Lindgren et al. 1,941,013, granted December 26, 1933. The one-way plow construction, as shown in the aforementioned flgures, is also similar to the plow construction in the assignees copending application of Bert R. Benjamin et -al., Serial No. 35,416, filed August 9, 1935. As best shown 'in'Figures 7 and 8, coupling plates 88, similar to those disclosed for;

.portingmembers 18 and 19, as best shown in Figure .9. The supporting members 18 and '19 have members 88, 8|, 82 and 83 welded, or otherwise secured, thereto. In addition, the members 8| and 82 'are welded to an additional supporting member I8, to which is connected a U- shaped draw-bar 84. The additional draw-bar 84 is provided with-holes for attaching the clevises of additional implements which may be trailed from the draw-bar 84 and still have the plow attachment A secured .to the tractor. A brace 85 extending from the member 19 to the draw-bar 84 secures the draw-bar 84 in its proper draft position. The. quick attachable and detachable supporting members 88, 8|, 82 and 88 have formed thereon attaching members and slots, as best disclosed in the co-pending application to Bert R. Benjamin'et al., previously referred to, for attaching to the horse-shoe coupling members 88. Coupling members 88 are attached to the inner and outer flanges 89 on the right axle housing, and to the inner flange 89 on members 88. In this manner the plowattachment is rigidly attached to therear axle of the tractor by means of the supporting members 18 and 18 of the plow attachment A, and by the coupling members 88 secured to the rear axle of the tractor. These coupling members and the construction of the supporting members are similar to the construction of the coupling membersand supporting members disclosed in the assignee's copending application of Bert R. Benjamin et al., Serial No. 35,416, flied August 9, 1935. The bight portion of the bail 11 is positioned immediately above the plow beam formed from.

the members 28 and 88 and preferably near the end thereof. The members 28 and 88, for the one-way plow construction, are similar to the members 28 and 88 of the two-way plow construction, and, therefore, similar reference charasters are used to describe similar parts. The

plow beam construction comprises the longitudiand 89 and spacers 9|. The ball is loosely seated between the straps which are spaced laterally apart, so as to engage the mid-portion or bight portion of the bail at laterally spaced points. A,plate 92 connects the two pairs of straps be-' neath the bail, and the plow beam is located below this plate laterally between the two pairs of, straps. Set screws 93 and 94 are adjustably mounted in the upper straps 88 and 89 for aiding 1 in detaching and attaching the plow attachmentfrom and to the tractor. The beam is suspended by means of a bracket piece secured to the inner longitudinal beam member 39 and has laterally extending ears 96 at the ends which are pivotally connected to similar depending ears 91- formed on the lower strap of the pair 89 at that side.

29 has a bracket piece 98 fixed to it, which has 4 -a laterally extending portion 99. This portion On the opposite side, the beam member '99 has pivotally mounted therein a vertically extending threaded rod I99, which forms with a laterally extending member I9I secured to the lower strap .of the pair 88 a means for adjusting the tilt of the plow bottom. It is to be understood, however; that a spring release may be attached at this point, so that, in case the plow point strikes an obstruction, the beam may be deflected by means of the spring release joint formed therein. For raising and lowering the plow from and to operating position, the supporting members I8 and I9, previously described, have pivotally connected thereto a rearwardly projecting ball 11, the rear or bight portion of which loosely engages insuitable straps'98 and 89 secured to the rear portion of the plow beam,

right hand coupling members on the tractor axle housing, and the left hand supporting member I9 being secured to the left hand coupling member on the rear axle housing of the tractor. On the right hand end of the shaft I92 is welded, or otherwise secured, a crank arm I93 positioned above the plow beam construction; The crank arm I93 is formed from a plurality of plate members 'I9l'and l95. The end ofthe crank arm I93 carries a horizontally positioned. swivel eye piece or collar I98 mounted. between the plate members I94 and, I95. The swiveled eye piece I96 slidably receives the upper end of a lift rod I91 having a stop I98 at its upper end. The lower end of the liftrod I91 is pivoted to a. transverse member I99 secured to the rear ends at the strap members 88 and 89. The lower portions of the lifting rod I91 have a pivoted connection formed by a U-shaped strap I I9 engaging the transversemember I99, theYU-shaped strap 9 being pivotally connected to the lower end of the lifting rod I91. Another adjusting collar III is mounted on the lifting rod I91 and positioned below the swivel'eye piece I98. The adjusting collars I98 and III are used to adjust 5 the maximum depth and lift of the plow bottom 35. Extending forwardly from the crank arm I93 to the hydraulic lifting mechanism 89 is a lifting link 2. The lifting link 2 at itsrear which is used to adjust the position of the lifting link II2-in the swivel collar H3. The adjusting link H2 is also used to adjustthe plowing depth and maximum lift of the plow bottom. The hydraulic. lift mechanism 89 is similar to that disclosed in the hydraulic lift'mechanism for the two-way plow construction, and, therefore, like reference characters will denote similar parts. The lifting link H2 'is connected at its forward end to the crank pin 59 of the crank arm '59 of the hydraulic lift mechanism. The crank 59 is secured to the transverse shaft 8| attached to the vane mechanism of the hydraulic lift mechanism, as disclosed in 'the assignees copending application and patent of E. A.'Johnston above referred tor The hydraulic vane type lifting mechanism 69 may be actuated by a gear pump 82 driven from a transverse power shaft connected with the transmission of the tractor. The fluid for the hydraulic lift mechanism is circulated through the pipe construction 63 to the hydraulic lift mechanism 89, where it is controlled by the valve handle 69. It is to be understood, however, that power lift mechanism of the ordinary one-half revolution type, or other mechanical lifts, may be usedwithout departing from the scope of my invention.

Although it is necessary to have special latching mechanism for retaining eachof the two-way plows in transport position while one or the other of them is in plowing position, it is not necessary to have this latch mechanism for the one-way plow construction. However, it m to be understood that the one-way plow may be constructed with this latch mechanism. In the oper ation of the plow raising and lowering mechanism, the hydraulic vane lift reciprocates to and fro from the .down position, as shown in Figure '7,

forwardly to the opposite position for the-lifting stroke. The total lift stroke of the [lifting vane is greaterthan 189 degrees in order to forman over-the-center lock for certain types of tools to prevent the'weight of the attached implements from returning the lifting mechanism to its longitudinal position. The hydraulic lift mechanism is actuated through the pump 82, which is con-- tinuously driven from the motor through the transmission mechanism of the tractor. The

hydraulic lift mechanism may be operated either when the tractor is stationary or when the tractor nection I I3, actuating the lifting arm I93, 'whichis free, to oscillate vertically. As the lifting arm I93 is connected to the plow bottom by the link I9'l, it is, therefore, apparent that the plow bottom is raised when the arm I93 is raised. The lostv motion connection at I I3 provides a means whereby the plow bottom, if it strikes an obstruction, is free to rise without the lifting mechanism. When the operator is ready to plow, the vane lift is'actuated to operate the lift mechanism, so that the crank pin is in the position shown in, Figure 7. When the plow is dropped by the actuation of the lift in, the fall of the plow bottom is cushioned by the fluid being displaced in the hydraulic lift. mechanism, which acts todampen or retard the fall of the plow bottom.

The plow attachment A is detached from the tractor by disconnecting the lifting link I I2 from the hydraulic lift mechanism after the adjustable support I I5 has been lowered to the ground.

The adjustable support 5 is secured to the draw-bar It by an adjustable'clamp bracket Hi. The adjustable support H5 is held in raised or lowered position by the set screw I I l. The swivel bolts It and 81 are then detached from the supporting members It and 19. Then, the forward draft link connection of the plow is detached from the draft bail 20. The. tractor is ready to be driven awayupon the detaching of an adjusting link III;

It is, therefore, obvious that a simple hydraulic lift mechanism for both the two-way plow and a one-way plow has been described, as well as structure for the quick attaching and detaching of the 39 implement attachments.

- As the connections described permit free movement of the plow with respect to the tractor, it is that-they be supported in such a mani rh a:

her as to maintain a fixed plowing depth. For; 35 this purpose the forward end of the plow has journaled thereon a crank axle I I9, the lower end of which has'journaled thereon a gauge wheel III in advanced the plow bottom 35. As each of the gauge mechanisms for each plow beam is similar, like reference characters will denote similar parts for the gauging mechanism for both the one and the two-way plow constructions. The upper crank or arm of the axle is joumaled in suitable bracket members I2I depending from the plow beam and has secured thereto an upright I I22. The arm I22 is connected tothe upstanding arm I! by means ofthe link 8, which is preferably formed at its forward end with a threaded portion to be adjusted by a pivoted adjmting nut a Illmountedonthearm I9. Thislink,itwillb e .seen,maintainsaflxeddistance betweenthearm In on the crank axle II! and the arm I, to' which the draw-bar is attached. Therefore, when the draw-bar is adjusted by the lever II, a

pullisexertedonthe-link Illandthecrankaxle III is swung downwardly, thereby lowering the sauce wheel Illto decrease the depth of the plow. Lowering of the draft bar 2. will corraise the gauge wheel and allow the V plowtogo deeper. Itwillalsobe seenthat,when the plow is lifted for transporting, the pivoting movement of the plow about its hitch will cause the arm III tobe thrust rearwardly to some detree, as the draw bar 2| remains stationary,- therebyswingingthe gauge wheel-upwardly on a the beam,'thus affording greater clearance.

Accordingly, it will be clear that the. novel armerit of the plow beam construction and itsding liftm'echanism, whichhasbeen 79 provide a freely floating plow attachment including a depth gauge carried on the plow and adjustable by means of the m acting on'the gauge meansthrough vertical adjustments imparted to Ilthcdr'aftconnectionsbetweentheplowand flcations without departure from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is: 10 1. The combination with a motor propelled vehicle having a power lift mechanism actuated from the motor, of an implement attachment comprising a plurality of movable'mounted implement gangs adapted for alternate movement, 5

hfting means for connecting each of the implement gangs to the aforesaid power lift mechanism, said lifting means comprising lost-motion connections and latching means for latching the implement gangs in raised position, and locking 20 means associated with the power lift mechanism whereby, after the implement gangs have been raised to transport position, the power lift mechanism may be actuated to lock the aforesaid latching means. 5

2. The combination with a motor propelled ,vehicle having a'power lift mechanism actuated from the motor, of an implement attachment comprising a plurality of movably mounted implement gangs adapted for alternate movement, lifting meansmounted on said vehicle for alternate movement in opposite directions, means for connecting the lifting means to the aforesaid power lift mechanism comprising a lost motion connection, latching means for latching each of the implement gangs in raised position, and locking means associated with the power lift mecha nism whereby, after either ofthe implement gangs has been raised to transport position, the power lift'mechanism may be actuatedto. lock each of the aforesaid latching means. 40

. 3. The combination with a motor propelled vehicle, of a power lift mechanism actuated from the motor and having an eccentric crank portion adapted for alternate movement in opposite directions, an implement attachment comprising a movably mounted implement gang adapted for "alternate raising and lowering, lifting means for connecting the implement gang to the eccentric crank portion and having a lost-motion connection, latch -means for locking said implement gang in raised position, and means on said eccentric crank portion for said latch means whentheimplementgangisinraisedposition for locking the implement gang in transport.

4. The combination with a motor propelled vehicle, of a power lift mechanism actuated from the motor and having an eccentric crankportion adapted for alternate movement in opposite directions, an implement attachment comprising a. no movably mounted implement gang adapted for alternate raising'and lowering, lifting means for connecting the implement gang to the eccentric crank portion and having a lost-motion connec-' tion, latch means for locking said implement gang in raised position, means on said .eccentric crank portion for engaging said latch means when the implement gang is in raised.po sition, and said ,latchmeansbeingoifsetsoasnottobeengaged by the eccentric crank portion when the implement gang is in lowered position upon the alternatemovement of the crank portion in either direction.

5. The combination with a motor propelled vehicle, of an implement attachment comprising 76 foo ' downwardly extending portion for limiting the a movably mounted implement gang adapted for alternate raising and lowering, lifting means adapted for alternate movement in opposite directions mounted on the vehicleand connected to the implement gang, means for alternating the lifting means including a lost-motion connection,

a pivoted latch mounted on said lifting means.

stop means on said vehicle adapted to be engaged by said pivoted latch, said pivoted latch comprising a fixed cam surface for riding over said stop on he raising of said implement gang, to transpor position, a. curved la ch member. pivotallymounted onsaid pivoted atchand adapted to engage said stop when the implement gang is in raised position, a hand .lifting member connected to said pivoted latch for releasingsaid latch, and said curved latch member, when said pivoted latch is released, being adapted to guide said pivoted latch over said stop..

6. The combination with a motor propelled ve hicle, of a power lifting mechanism actuated from the 'motor and having a crank portion adapted for alternate movement in opposite directions, an implement attachment comprising a movably mounted implement gang adapted for alternate raising and lowering, lifting means adapted for alternate movement in opposite directions mounted on the vehicle and connected to the implement gang stiliin raised position, ands lost motion connection in said connecting means whereby said crank portion is free to be reciprocated in either direction'to lock or release said latch means.

gang, means for' connecting the'lifting means to the crank portion, latch means connected to said lifting means for latching the implement. gang in raised position, said latch adapted to be engaged by said crank portion when said crank portion is in lowered position and said latchis in locked position after said implement gang has first been raised and then said crank portion placed in lowered position with the implement Q7. The combination with a motor propelled vehicle having a narrow longitudinal bodypor- .tion, of an implement attachment.comprising a movably mounted implement gang mounted for lateral. movement, lifting means for said implement gang, a support mounted on the aforesaid ,body portion, a transversely extending guide member having adownwardly and an outwardly and upwardly extendin portions pivotally mounted on said vehicle for vertical movement; said guide member having a -lowersurface of the outwardly and upwardly extending portion engaging the implement gang whereby, asthe implement gang is raised, the implement gang is guided laterally outwardly from underneath .the narrowlongitudinalbody portion of the vehicle and when it is in raised position the guide member prevents lateral movement of the implement gang toward the longitudinalbody portion, and means on the support-engaging the aforesaid downward movement of said guide member when the implement gang is lowered.

8. The combination with a wheeled frame, of

an implement attachment comprising a movably mounted implement beam, lifting means mounted on said wheeledirame for raising and lowerity of laterally spa ing said implement beam, said lifting means comprising a member adapted for alternate movement in opposite directions and a pluralwa l l ft ns;

mounted on the aforesaid memben'at least one of said links being adjustable in length, means member and to said implement beam whereby the implement beam has a free lateral swinging movement ,as well as a free longitudinal swing-ling movement, and means fornadiustingssaid adjustable lifting link whereby the implement beam' may be tilted about the other liftinglink.

"-9. In combination, an implement carrying frame, an implement mounted for "movement from one position to another on said frame. power means for moving the implement, latch on said frame adapted to be engaged by said latch for retaining the implement in one of said positions, and a pivotal member onsaid for attaching said lifting links to the aforesaid i latch for guiding the latch over the stop means when the same is released for movement of the implement to another position.

11. In combination, an implement carrying frame, an implement gang moimted on said frame for free swinging movement, power means for moving the implement gang, and guiding means comprising a swingable member on the frame" Y for engaging the implement gang to cause pomtive :lateral movement of the same when ,the power means is actuated.

12. In combination, an

swin n movement on said frame, power means for raising and lowering said implement gang,-

and a swingable arm carried by the frame and having an upwardly-and outwardly extending I implement carrying frame, an implement gang moimted for free surface adapted to be engaged by the implement gang to positively guide and hold the same ont- 'wardly when the power means is actuated to raise the implement. I l

13. The combination with a motor propelled vehicle having a power lift mechanism actuated from the. motor, of an implement moimted on the vehicle for movement, lifting moms for connecting the implement to the power lift mechahim" having a lost-motion latching means for latching the hnplemmt in lifted po and locking means associated with the sition.

lift mechanism whereby the impower plementhasbeenraised-toitslifted onthe powerliftmechanismmaybeactuatodtolock the aforesaid latching means.

14. In combination, an implement carrying frame, an; implement, mounted. for movement from one position to another on said frame, power means for moving said implement; a pivoted latch mounted on the power means, stop meansonsaidframeadaptedtobemagedby said latch for retaining the implement in one of said positions, and means for guiding the latch over the stop means which comes automaticallyinto play when the latch is released for movement of the implement to another position.

JAMES HORKOVSKL 

